USA soccer sends emotional letter to players about pulling out of U-17 World Cup in Qatar amid Iran war
The letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, praised the players and coaches for their preparation while explaining why the federation was canceling both its pre-tournament camp and participation in the competition."We are writing to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our World Cup pre-camp and our planned participation in the World Cup.We are extremely proud of the preparation by our players and coaches to represent the US in the World Cup," the letter said.TEAM USA WITHDRAWS FROM FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP AMID STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL WARNING IN MIDDLE EASTGio Villa and Maxi Carrizo of the United States U17 team train during a session at Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Oct.
24, 2025.(Getty Images)"Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances including the US State Department’s Level 3 Travel Advisory for Qatar and related directives for Embassy staff and families, we are no longer able to participate in the tournament.
The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority."The withdrawal became public Wednesday, eight days before the tournament’s scheduled Nov.19 start.The letter also instructed players to hold off on publicly discussing the decision until FIFA announced it, while telling them their clubs would receive official notification."We will communicate this officially to your clubs today as well.
We ask that you refrain from sharing this information or commenting publicly until such time that it has been communicated publicly by FIFA," the letter said."Again, please accept our deepest appreciation for your commitment to US Soccer and our shared disappointment about these circumstances."SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY OUTKICK NEWSLETTERThe State Department’s Oct.23 advisory urges Americans to reconsider travel to Qatar because of the risk of armed conflict.
U.S.government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.The advisory cites attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi forces against civilian airports ...